Investing in an IRA: What You Need to Know

April 15 may come and go, but it's always a good time to invest in an IRA

Most people dream of having financial freedom in retirement. However, as their retirement date approaches, some people realize they haven't accumulated the savings they'll need to live as comfortably as they'd like in their later years.

So even if you're saving in an employer-based retirement program and a voluntary plan, think about investing in an IRA. Depending on the type of IRA you choose, your earnings can grow either tax deferred (with a Traditional IRA) or tax free (with a Roth IRA). (Remember, though, that IRA withdrawals before age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty, as well as ordinary income taxes.) Here are some basic facts about investing for retirement through an IRA.

Know the contribution limits

For the 2015 tax year, the annual IRA contribution limit is $5,500, with an additional $1,000 if you’re age 50 or older. You must fund the IRA with taxable compensation, which can come from your job, self-employment, part-time work (even if you're a student) and alimony. "Passive" income, such as investment income (from dividends or interest), or income from trusts, pensions or annuities, does not qualify as earned income.

If you have a job but your spouse does not, there's an exception to these contribution requirements. In this case, both you and your spouse can individually contribute up to $5,500 for the 2015 tax year, plus an additional $1,000 if either of you is 50 years of age or older and your total taxable compensation is equal or greater to your allowable contribution amount.

Traditional or Roth: choose the right IRA for your needs

Deciding which IRA is best for you depends on your current tax bracket, your anticipated tax bracket in retirement and when you expect to begin withdrawing funds. Briefly, you will have an advantage from contributing to a tax-deductible Traditional IRA only if you can deduct the contributions from your taxes and anticipate being in a lower tax bracket in retirement. If you expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket in retirement, then a Roth IRA may be preferable, because you'll be able to make completely tax-free withdrawals, provided you meet the five-year holding period and have reached age 59½.

Additionally, with a Roth IRA, you're not required to begin minimum withdrawals at age 70½. This makes the Roth IRA ideal for estate planning, since you can potentially leave more funds to your heirs. Check with your tax advisor to make sure you meet the income guidelines if you are considering a Roth IRA.

You can't be too young

There's no minimum age limit for contributing to an IRA. All that's required is taxable compensation of some form. So even if your child is nine or 11, earns money from baby-sitting, delivering newspapers or working in a family business, he or she can have an IRA. If the child is a minor, however, you must set up the IRA as a custodial account. Also, any relative or family friend can fund the account, provided the contribution does not exceed your child's earned income. Just imagine how much more financial freedom your children can potentially have later in life if they begin saving for retirement now.

But you can be too old

Once you reach the calendar year in which you turn 70½, you cannot contribute to a Traditional IRA. Roth IRAs don't have this limit; you can contribute as long as you, or your spouse, have taxable compensation. But with Traditional IRAs, you must begin receiving required minimum distribution (RMD) payments no later than April 1 of the year after you reach age 70½ or potentially face a 50% IRS penalty on the amount you should have withdrawn.

Consolidating assets

If you have retirement assets with more than one employer, think about consolidating your assets with a single financial company to monitor your savings more efficiently and, eventually, to make receiving income easier. IRAs can be ideal for consolidation, because they preserve your assets' tax-deferred status and may provide more allocation options than your previous employer plan provides. Just be sure to check the terms of your existing investment, since certain other charges and taxes may apply.

Before transferring assets or replacing an existing annuity, be sure to carefully consider the benefits of both the existing and the new product. There will likely be differences in features, costs, surrender charges, services, company strength and other important aspects. There may also be tax consequences associated with the transfer of assets. Indirect transfers may be subject to taxation and penalties. Consult with your own advisors regarding your particular situation.

†Web seminars are best viewed using a high speed Internet connection (such as DSL, ISDN, or cable access). Macromedia Flash Player 6.0.79 or higher, or Macromedia Flash Player 7 or higher for Linux and Solaris is required.

Investment, insurance and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity and may lose value.

TIAA-CREF or its affiliates do not offer tax advice. The tax information contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding any tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. It was written to support the promotion of the products and services addressed herein. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

In addition to the inherent risks associated with investing in securities, including the loss of principal, there may be fees associated with IRAs.

Featured Areas

Communities

Quick Links

†Web seminars are best viewed using a high speed Internet connection (such as DSL, ISDN, or cable access). Macromedia Flash Player 6.0.79 or higher, or Macromedia Flash Player 7 or higher for Linux and Solaris is required.

Investment, insurance and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity and may lose value.

TIAA-CREF or its affiliates do not offer tax advice. The tax information contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding any tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. It was written to support the promotion of the products and services addressed herein. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

In addition to the inherent risks associated with investing in securities, including the loss of principal, there may be fees associated with IRAs.